On April 16, we took time to honor and celebrate the volunteers and volunteer organizations that in 2014 have made a significant impact on Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County’s ability to accomplish its mission.

Partners and volunteers are so vital to the work that we do; selecting and supporting our prospective homeowner families, helping customers at our ReStore, entering volunteer and donor records into our database, serving the community and, of course, swinging a hammer at a jobsite.

This past year over 3,700 volunteers worked at one of our build sites, 200 at our ReStore, and another 60 volunteered on one or more of our monthly committees.

We are grateful and appreciate all of the volunteers who give their time and efforts to care for the Habitat families and the neighborhoods we serve. Together, we are changing the lives of homeowners and their children forever, and bringing much needed stability to communities here in New Castle County.

So, behalf of our Board of Directors and staff, Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County would like to recognize those who went above and beyond to make 2014 a terrific year.

President’s Award

Bank of America and Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County have a strong partnership and Habitat is honored to present them with this year’s President’s Award. This year Habitat will begin building at its Walnut Ridge site on property donated by Bank of America. The bank has also donated to the financial success of Walnut Ridge as well. Bank of America employees are frequently seen volunteering at the ReStore, as well as in and around Habitat’s build sites and warehouse. Bank of America is truly deserving of the 2015 President’s Award.

Fundraising Volunteer

Chip Rankin has been the driving force behind Habitat’s golf outing in partnership with IFMA for more than 16 years. To date, the event has raised more than $250,000 for Habitat and introduced the organization to new supporters through the IFMA Delaware chapter. Chip has devoted his time and resources to making sure the golf outing event is a yearly success for Habitat. In 2014, under Chip’s leadership, the event raised $20,000 for Habitat.

ReStore Volunteer

Robin Martini is a regular every Saturday, our busiest day of the week at the ReStore. She is a hard worker, has a positive attitude and a pleasure to work with. Robin has become a favorite to the staff, other volunteers and most importantly our customers. She is always ready to help regardless of what needs to get done. A large factor for the success of the ReStore is due to the efforts of our volunteers and Robin’s effort and contribution are the reason why she is our ReStore volunteer of the year.

Volunteer

Ida Bowers has served on the Family Support for the last four years and has helped several prospective homeowners through the process. Ida is able to connect with our homeowners and provide them with an addition source of support while they are building their home. In addition to serving on the support committee Ida has also join the Alumni Support committee she encourages the families she has supported to attend the Alumni programs and offers ideals and suggestion on programs that would be helpful to homeowners.

Volunteer Group

Brown Advisory volunteers have shown exceptional commitment to Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County’s mission as a volunteer group. They used their time volunteering on the Cooper’s Run site to actively engage with the future homeowners and Habitat staff. The volunteers from Brown Advisory also came to the Cooper’s Run dedication to show their support for the Habitat homeowners.

Homeowner Volunteer

Antoinette Douglass is a single mother of 5 boys who worked two jobs while she was in the program and was able to complete her 225 hours of sweat equity prior to her house being completed. Antoinette continues to volunteer with Habitat she is a Family support committee member and is working on supporting her 2nd prospective homeowner through the process. Antoinette also serves on the Alumni support committee and she is true ambassador for Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County.

Tom Bissot Award for Construction

Lyle Wallig is always willing to help the construction department with whatever is asked of him. This past year Lyle really took ownership of the warehouse tool room. He went over and beyond what was needed and even restored tools so that they could be used again.

John Morrison Can always be counted on to do the little things that are a big help in the construction department. Acting from true humility, John takes it upon himself to make sure all the necessary things are done so that larger projects can move forward.

Mercer Quinby completed 400 hours in his first year volunteering with Habitat. He often volunteers for full weeks with Habitat when he can and always comes in when extra hands are needed. He is very dedicated to Habitat’s mission and that is evident in the way he connects with the homeowners and the motivation he brings to each project.

Habitat ReStore Donor

La-Z-Boy Furniture, for the past year, has made monthly donations of furniture to the Habitat ReStore. The consistency of the donations and the high-quality of the furniture have helped to the ReStore to some of its most financially successful months. It has been very beneficial and meaningful partnership for Habitat.

Community Builder Award

Beth Miller has been writing about Delaware since 1979, including 35 years as a general assignment reporter for The News Journal. As a veteran journalist, Beth has covered everything from breaking news in the First State to the aftermath of the catastrophic earthquake that hit the tiny country of Haiti in 2010. There is no question she knows a great story when she sees one, as evidenced in her front-page coverage of two Habitat events in the past year – one on the burning of a paid-off Habitat mortgage, the other on the dedication of Coopers Run. Beth’s time in newspapers ended in January, when she started exploring the world from a new angle as the science writer for the University of Delaware.

Both the Senate and House introduced their respective Budget Resolutions in March to provide a direction for how they want to allocate spending for all federal programs in the fiscal year 16 budget. With the Republicans now in the majority in both chambers, the resolutions were similar in nature but also had some stark differences around how they approached defense and health care spending.

Of note for Habitat for Humanity, the House budget resolution report for the fourth consecutive year asks for the elimination of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS)—the federal agency that oversees AmeriCorps—which would end all national service programs. The House has proposed this before, and through the strong advocacy of organizations like Habitat that support national service, this proposal has never resonated during the appropriations process. The House passed its Budget Resolution, including language to eliminate CNCS, on March 25, 2015.

Last week the Senate passed its Budget Resolution on a mostly party-line vote after a series of rapid-fire votes on amendments. The Budget Resolution is only blueprint for the budget, and ultimately appropriators will decide on the final funding levels for all federal programs, however, it can set the tone for where appropriations might head therefore amendments were filed to protect or counteract anything that could arise later in the appropriations process. Amendments were introduced by Senators wanting to make a statement about elements of the budget, or a particular program.

The first amendment introduced by Senator Ayotte (R-NH), which Habitat strongly supported, creates a deficit neutral reserve fund to protect the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). The amendment passed unanimously by voice vote and will now be part of the Senate budget resolution. Senator Ayotte introduced the amendment because of language in the House Budget Resolution report that eliminates CNCS, and thus national service. The amendment passage was great news for national service because it sent a message to Congress that national service funding should be protected.

The second amendment introduced by Senator Flake (R-AR), which Habitat opposed, would have ended the 502 direct program, a program central to supporting affordable housing in rural America. Section 502 direct loans are administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service (RHS) for low income home building in rural areas, and these loans are a means of third party financing for homes. Habitat affiliates in rural areas have used 502 direct loans to support their partner families secure a home. As a result of the quick advocacy of Habitat and other supporting organizations, this amendment was not voted on and therefore not included in the managers’ package list of amendments to the Senate Budget Resolution.

The third amendment introduced by Senator Hatch (R-UT), which Habitat opposed, would have consolidated the Self-Help Homeownership Opportunity Program (SHOP) with the USDA 502 direct loan program, and 523 mutual self-help program. In light of the vast differences among these programs it was unclear how a consolidated program would or could function. In addition, these are very small programs and combining them would not elicit any justified savings that would make any impact on the overall budget. As a result of the quick advocacy of Habitat and other supporting organizations, this amendment was not voted on and therefore not included in the managers’ package list of amendments to the Senate Budget Resolution.

The fourth amendment introduced by Senator Paul (R-KY), which Habitat opposed, would have significantly cut foreign assistance funding for critical poverty-focused international development and humanitarian response programs. This proposal would directly inhibit Habitat’s ability to work internationally and impact the lives of countless individuals abroad. As a result of the quick advocacy of Habitat and other supporting organizations this amendment was voted down 96-4, and therefore not included in the managers’ package list of amendments to the Senate Budget Resolution.

By Yasheaka Oakley

Sunless skies couldn’t dull the excitement and anticipation created by the long-awaited Walnut Ridge Groundbreaking Ceremony.

The Wednesday, March 25 event opened with Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County’s Board President Noreen Poole welcoming a crowd of almost 100 supporters to the ceremonial start of the $1.5 million development of nine new townhomes on Wilmington’s Eastside.

“This isn’t the first time that we have built homes in Wilmington’s East Side,” Poole said. “Just 10 years ago we completed the Hope Run development not far from here.”

“This project and the other 224 homes we have built in the New Castle County area would not have been possible without the support of generous donors and sponsors like Bank of America, which donated this land to become the future home of nine families, ” she added, speaking from the future home site at the 1400 block of Walnut Street.

In addition to the land donation, Bank of America also provided an $85,000 grant for construction.

“Our comprehensive approach connects our philanthropy and the passion of our employee volunteers to support affordable housing and community revitalization,” said Chip Rossi, Delaware market president, Bank of America. “Nothing is more foundational to a family’s financial well-being than access to affordable, stable housing and our support of Habitat for Humanity will continue to make a lasting impact for local families.”

Joining Rossi at the groundbreaking were more than 25 Bank of America employee volunteers, who have committed 2,015 volunteer hours to the Walnut Ridge project.

Rossi added that Bank of America’s team of employee volunteers is excited to support yet another construction project “and to fulfill these families’ dreams by providing them with a sense of community.”

Pastor Jerome Lewis of Seeds of Greatness Bible Church blessed the occasion, calling the groundbreaking, “the breaking forth of a dream” as he set the stage for the diverse cross section of government, community, religious and business leaders who also spoke at the event.

“DSHA is really proud to be a partner in this project,” said Anas Ben Addi, Director, of the $270,000 in funds his office committed to the development. “What we love about habitat … is they just don’t come in and implant new housing in a neighborhood without taking into consideration what’s going on around the neighborhood … they approach it as a community involvement piece.”

Prospective Walnut Ridge homeowner Jennifer Kelly shared how what she called a “wink” from God paved the path to her opportunity for homeownership.

“God’s wink brought me here today to share with everyone my personal meaning,” said Kelly, “Habitat means I get to start anew, fresh and from the beginning. It means that God is giving me another chance to offer complete security and stability for my three children.”

To demonstrate Habitat for Humanity’s mission to put God’s love into action, CEO Kevin Smith invited leaders from of Habitat’s partner churches to donate bibles to be placed in the foundation of each new townhouse and gifted to homeowners when their homes are completed.

“We approached the churches, whose foundation is Jesus Christ, to partner in this project so that the foundation of these families will rest on the Lord,” he said.

“Everyone is excited to begin their Cornerstone construction class on February 7, 2015,” said Beverly Ward, Director of Family Services. “We look forward to working with these families and providing them with decent, stable, affordable housing.”

Click the video below to see one prospective homeowner receiving the news.

Beginning in February, Habitat will begin hosting smaller homeownership seminars inside its Wilmington office. The sessions will be held on the first and fourth Wednesday of each month and begin promptly at 12:15 p.m. Children are not allowed to attend these sessions.

Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County, in partnership with Bank of America, announces the ground breaking of Walnut Ridge, a development of nine new townhomes to be built on Wilmington’s Upper Eastside.

Walnut Ridge is part of Bank of America’s larger commitment to the Upper Eastside of Wilmington and Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County’s latest push in its neighborhood-revitalization initiative.

This project is also made possible by supporters across a diverse cross-section of our community, which include members of local government, local corporations, local faith groups, and local community leaders.

The event will be held at the 1400 block of North Walnut Street in Wilmington, on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at 11:30 a.m.

Over the past couple of months, Family Selection has seen the attendance numbers in its homeownership classes explode.

At the session held at the Cranston Heights Fire Hall in Wilmington, attendance was 160. Earlier this month, a homeownership class hosted by Seeds of Greatness Bible Church in New Castle saw 181 participants come out.

“This is a great indicator of the continued need for affordable housing in New Castle County,” said Beverly Ward, Habitat NCC’s Director of Family Services.

“As we move forward into 2015 we expect to continue to see a rise in orientation numbers and we look forward to working with the community to help place Delaware residents in decent affordable housing,” she added.

Habitat’s next homeownership seminar will be held in January 2015, the location of which has not yet been determined.

We held our Inaugural Advisory Committee meeting this week at the University and Whist Club in Wilmington and there was no shortage of great ideas shared on improving on executing our mission to build more homes, communities and hope.

More than 18 friends of Habitat – many of whom are former board members – came together to discuss how the organization can improve its approach to serving partner families and addressing the issues of crime in Wilmington.

“It was very encouraging to hear the great ideas that came from the meeting,” said Kevin Smith, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County. “With such a stellar group of committed advisors, we have some great suggestions for dealing with some of our challenges.”

The generosity of Elisa and Dick Poole continues with the Poole Gallery Sale that took place on Thursday, November 6, 2014.

Earlier this year, Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County hosted The Habitat for Humanity Art Auction at University of Delaware’s Arsht Hall. The event provided art lovers and Habitat supporters with the opportunity to browse more than 110 paintings from the Delaware couple’s 500-piece collection to be sold to benefit the organization.

The Poole Gallery Sale continues to support the Poole’s goal to support Habitat for Humanity’s mission and help add a piece of art to every home. The November event raised approximately $15,000.

The frigid conditions weren’t enough to stop the scores of Habitat supporters from coming out last week to celebrate the completion of our latest project, Coopers Run – a development of seven townhomes occupying the 2100 block of Wilmington’s Carter Street.

The ceremony, which at times turned emotional, also played host to local and state government officials as well our corporate sponsors who helped make this year-long project a reality.

After she was presented the ceremonial keys to her home, Juliet Brown began thanking Habitat and its supporters before pausing.

“This is just a great opportunity for me and my kids,” she said through tears. “Just a new start for us – for me and my boys – for them to have somewhere to play.”

Of her experience in the program, Laressia Wright said, “It’s been an awesome experience and I will always appreciate it because I had to work on it.”

The future homeowner added, “Me having to put in those hours made me appreciate it even more.”

To date Habitat has built 225 homes in New Castle County, including the City of Wilmington, Newark, New Castle, Middletown and Coopers Run.

Through our Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative (NRI) we commit our resources to one community at a time, providing affordable housing, financial education and home maintenance training.

Coopers Run is a continuation of HFHNCC’s Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative in the Prices Run neighborhood and we look forward to doing more work there.

“This home is definitely a blessing to our family,” said Paula Broody, future homeowner after receiving the keys to the home she’ll share with her husband James and their two sons. “We are very excited and look forward to spending many, many years here and we are very thankful to Habitat.”

Click here of the photos above to view a gallery from the dedication ceremony.

Before we broke ground on our Coopers Run development in Wilmington, we made a commitment to helping change the lives of seven families for the better – families we had not yet met.

Twelve months later, we now know those families.

Trina and her two children will be residents of Coopers Run, as well as Juliet with her two kids and Laressia and her infant son.

Darresha, a daughter of a Habitat for Humanity homeowner, and her young son will be moving in. So will Ruby with her two children, and James, Paula and their two children.

“We’re consistently humbled and inspired by the personal stories and perseverance of our homeowners,” said Kevin L. Smith, CEO of Habitat NCC. “We see homeowners return to school, develop new confidence and secure better jobs.”

“We learn of improvement in their children’s school performance and about homeowners’ children who want homeownership for themselves,” Smith added. “We see families long robbed of hope believing again in themselves, in others, and in the future. Habitat helps short circuit the cycle of poverty for many of our families.”

It’s the kind of support from our friends and supporters that make it possible for these families to have a safe and decent place to live and we’re grateful for the support of our partners to help us continue this important work.

About HFHNCC
Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County has been building affordable housing with low-income families since 1986. Since our inception, we have built more than 200 homes in areas throughout New Castle County including the City of Wilmington, Middletown, Newark, New Castle, and St. Georges. As a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, we are among the top three largest affiliates in the Northeast (of over 210 affiliates from DE to Maine) in terms of home construction. Through our unique approach, we help low-income families break the cycle of poverty through the stability and empowerment gained through homeownership.